In the current climate, an increase of barely more than one month of OS does not represent value or a truly improved medical outcome for patients with mCRPC. Therefore, Exelisis has abandoned its research in this area, including its trial on pain palliation.

Instead, the company will refocus its efforts towards evaluating the use of cabozantanib for the treatment of advanced liver and kidney cancers. Results from the kidney trial should be available at some point in 2015. In the meantime, Exelisis will take a charge of up to $8 million in connection with the workforce reduction.